Dedication and excitement was written on the faces of Community Police Forum (CPF) members during the time of receiving their recognition certificates awards from the MEC of Safety and Liaison, Helen Sauls–August at an End-of Term Recognition ceremony.
All Community Police Forums, Clusters, and the Provincial Community Police Board term of office will end during 2014. The Department of Safety and Liaison intends to celebrate the work of these structures over the last twenty years, with the emphasis on the last five years and acknowledge their commitment to strengthen community participation in community safety and promote community police relations.
CPFs are in the first line of defence in the context of fighting crime in our communities. In honouring the role played by CPF in the fight against crime, the concept of rewarding them for going an extra mile was driven by their commitment.
Said at the gathering in East London, MEC said “the department held these recognition awards in acknowledging the tireless efforts made by our Community Police Forum members in the fight against crime.” Therefore, the recipients’ of today’s awards must know that their excellence is according to the communities they serve, concluded Sauls-August.
Ray Maqhutyana, Provincial Chairperson welcomed the award by saying “our term is going to end by July 2014, it is crucial that the good working relationship that we have built up with the Eastern Cape SAPS is nurtured and the channels of communication are kept open”.
The only way in which crime can be effectively combated in the province, is with community involvement. "It is of the utmost importance that the community remains involved with the police and with the CPF. Without the marriage between the community and the police, there can be no victory in the war against crime,” concluded Maqhutyana rising up his awards.
Also present in the awards was General Mki from SAPS, highlighted that CPFs are playing a major role in combating crime in the communities of this province, sometimes it is difficult for the police to arrive early at the scene of crime, but CPF’s are there to assist.
As part of token of appreciation to these tireless, fearless and committed CPFs volunteers, all Safety and Liaison’s offices hosted these kinds of Recognition Awards in their respective Districts.
